Wu-Tang Clan – A Better Tomorrow (Warner)
Why you should listen: Originally pegged for a July 2013 release to mark 20 years of Wu-Tang, internal bickering between rappers Raekwon and RZA held up this hip-hop album. The results are said to be a bit of a mixed bag, but worth a listen to see whether the Staten Island group can still pull off a hit.
It might not be for you if… You’ve struggled with some of RZA’s experimental production flourishes since 2007’s 8 Diagrams album.
What we said: “Here we have a bit of a mess that still showcases why Wu-Tang were so great in the first place”, wrote Paul MacInnes, in the Guardian. For Kitty Empire’s three-star review from the Observer, click here.
Score: 3/5
AC/DC – Rock or Bust (Sony/Columbia)
Why you should listen: AC/DC are back – albeit with Malcolm Young’s nephew Stevie Young stepping in on rhythm guitar – and putting out an album amid news of Malcolm’s battle with dementia and Paul Rudd’s ongoing criminal charges.
It might not be for you if… Their simplistic rock formula never appealed to you, and you’re not entirely sure why they’re still considered relevant today.
What we said: “Rock or Bust isn’t nearly as monumental as Back in Black – few albums are – but for a band that really do go through motions, you don’t for a moment feel AC/DC are dialling it in,” wrote Kitty Empire, in her lead review for the Observer. Head here for Dave Simpson’s three-star review in the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
Kiesza – Sound of a Woman (Universal/Virgin EMI)
Why you should listen: For vocals belted over danceable, R&B-inspired pop, look no further than Kiesza’s second album. And yes, she is that one who gained fame dancing around north Williamsburg in a music video.
It might not be for you if… You were expecting Kiesza to commit to one genre. This just feels a little too scattered for you.
What we said: “Although dipping into the warped world of alt-R&B occasionally, her sound is heavily indebted to the 90s – a concoction of Lisa Stansfield, Shakespears Sister and Robin S’s Show Me Love – and it rarely resists going full throttle,” wrote Harriet Gibsone, in the Guardian. Corinne Jones doled out a less enthusiastic two stars in the Observer.
Score: 3/5
Slim Twig – A Hound at the Hem (DFA)
Why you should listen: Slim Twig’s Max Turnball dishes out dark, sometimes disorienting pop on this 2010 album that has finally seen an official release. If you’re after a touch of David Lynch-styled drama, you may just find yourself satisfied with this.
It might not be for you if… You don’t normally go for left-field pop of this variety, and are quite happy to keep living your life without it.
What we said: “A Hound at the Hem is unapologetically shambolic, but there are moments of high drama: the strings on Hover on a Sliver create an eerie tension, before the chorus shuffles along like an early-80s indie record,” wrote Jon Dennis,
Score: 3/5
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – I’m in Your Mind Fuzz (Heavenly)
Why you should listen: Look past their undeniably abysmal name, and you’ll find a seven-piece group willing to chuck rock band formation conventions out the window and dabble in droning, exhilarating psychedelia.
It might not be for you if… No, seriously, that name is the only thing keeping you from listening to these guys.
What we said: “They’re an extraordinary live act, and if their recordings can’t quite match that, their fifth album is still a ton of fun,” wrote Michael Hann, in the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
This week also sees a Pixies deluxe edition and full-length release from August chart-toppers Nico & Vinz. Which albums are you keen to hear this week? Comment away.
